2 PRINCESS SUPERFLY SPLASHED

Princess has launched the first of its all-new “superfly” models, the X95. Resplendent in blue and graphite livery, the striking trideck represents a radical departure for the once cautious brand. With an LOA of 95ft 6in (29.10m) and a beam of 22ft 3in (6.77m), the unusual design delivers a marked increase in space over conventional craft. Princess claims 10% more outside deck space than a regular 95-footer and 40% more interior space.

The X-95 is the result of a collaboration between Italian design house Pininfarina, Princess’s in-house team and naval architecture partner Olesinski, which developed an all-new technical platform for it. Extensive tank-testing at the Wolfson Unit in Southampton shows a 15% improvement in efficiency over a conventional semi-displacement hull form thanks to a wave-piercing bow-bulb and running surfaces that extend all the way under the bathing platform to increase the waterline length.

Princess hasn’t confirmed final figures yet, but expect a fast-cruise of around 19-20 knots and a maximum speed of just over 23 knots with the 1,900hp MAN V12s and slightly more when the new 2,000hp MAN V12s come on stream later. It is also claiming an impressive range of around 2,000nm at 10 knots.

Much of the gain in volume is down to main deck accommodation that stretches all the way to the bow with sidecks that rise up and over the forward section to free up the full beam.

The standard layout features a spectacular open-plan entertaining space on the main deck with four ensuite cabins on the lower deck – a full-beam master amidships, a VIP forward and twin doubles or twins. The optional five-cabin arrangement adds a master cabin forward on the main deck. So far all 10 of the X95s on order have been specified with the main-deck master.

Fully specced, the X95 will cost around £8m ex taxes. The more conventionally styled Y95 based on the same technical platform should be ready for launch towards the end of 2021.